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Sunday, October 24, 2004

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30th Sunday Ordinary Time


Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Psalm 34
Luke 18:9-14

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"low," i am with you

"The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds." —Sirach 35:17

Clouds can be a sign of God's presence or, figuratively speaking, a barrier preventing us from "getting through" to God. Clouds present no problem to the prayer of the lowly, for their prayer pierces the clouds. However, clouds repel the prayer of those who are not lowly but proud.

We can surmise that the prayer of many people is not "getting through" to God, for many people pray infrequently. If they were "getting through," they probably would be encouraged to pray always. Who wants to keep calling a phone number when you seldom "get through"? Many of us must not be lowly, or we would be "getting through" and praying more.

Signs of not being lowly are:

  • not forgiving,
  • not going to Confession often,
  • not submitting to the authority of the Lord through the Church,
  • focusing on ourselves (see Lk 18:11-12),
  • comparing ourselves with others (see Lk 18:11),
  • not washing others' feet through service, and
  • trying to live the "high life" of affluence and comfort.

Jesus is lowly — from the stable at Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary to appearing as bread and wine in the Eucharist. Be like the lowly Jesus, and your prayer will pierce the clouds.

Prayer:  Jesus, gentle and lowly of heart, make my heart like Yours (see Mt 11:29).

Promise:  "The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom." —2 Tm 4:18

Praise:  To the lowly and risen Jesus "be glory forever and ever. Amen" (2 Tm 4:18).

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape, Pride and Faith, on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004